<p>We have a wide range of measures in place to protect UK aid, to ensure that it reaches those for whom it is intended. Ensuring appropriate use of funds and achieving value for money has always been a core objective of all spend on Official Development Assistance. The Prime Minister was clear in his statement to the house on 16th June that delivering maximum value for the British taxpayer will continue to be a key objective of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.</p><p>We are ensuring that controls are in place to provide at least the same level of assurance that was present in the departments prior to the merger regarding appropriate and effective use of UK taxpayers' funds and will continue to do so. Material value contracts will continue to be subject to an annual independent external audit throughout. My Internal Audit team also continue to provide assurance through a recalibrated, coordinated audit plan for the organisation as well as the usual National Audit Office annual audits of departmental accounts.</p>